In this disease there is absolute diminution of the mass of blood, with relative diminution of the red blood corpuscles. In the human subject, "if the blood be analyzed, it will be found that the red globules are deficient; so that instead of existing in the proportion of 120 to 130 per thousand, as in health, they are reduced to 80, or 60, or even, in severe cases, to 30."

Anaemia may be caused by want of proper nutriment. When the food is improper in quality or insufficient in quantity, the materials necessary for the formation of healthy blood are not supplied to the system; and the consequence is that the blood becomes poor and watery and colourless.

Any disorder of the organs engaged in the conversion of food into blood would lead to anaemia, even when the food is of a proper quality, and when it is given in suitable quantities. So that the peculiar condition of the blood of anaemic patients may be brought on either by imperfect assimilation of food, or by want of proper food; or these two causes may co-operate in the same case.

Fresh air and sunlight are important auxiliaries in the preparation of good blood. All animals - placing man on the same level as the dog - have poor blood and weak bodies, when cooped up in dark, crowded, ill-ventilated places.

Diminution of the blood circulating in the body, and impoverishment of its quality, are produced by any kind of haemorrhage, such as bloodletting. Any disease attended with loss of blood will be followed by the same state. Haemorrhage may be the effect as well as the cause of anaemia. Passive dropsy may also supervene on anaemia from loss of blood. Excessive secretion of milk may lead to the same result.

Anaemia is generally found in puppies who have been badly kept as regards food and good air.

Worms are likely to be developed where anaemia is present; and then the disease is much increased in severity.

In addition to pallor of the visible mucous membrane, there is overpowering muscular prostration, followed usually by oedema of the legs; and the pulse is small and weak.

Treatment

The most important medicinal remedies are the following: -

Nux vomica when there are the symptoms of disordered stomach or impaired digestion (see "Indigestion."

Ferrum

One grain of the first trituration every night, and one drop of the strong tincture of China should be given every morning for a considerable period.

Foody Etc

Fresh country air, exposure to the sun's rays, out-door exercise in moderation, cold bathing in salt water, or in a solution of Joce's "Salmarine," and good nourishing food - food of a class calculated to favour growth and development - are indispensable in treating this disorder with success.